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Air date: April 7, 2024
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JESSICA:
Hi, this is Jessica Russell. I’m the assistant director of collection services at Sno-Isle Libraries. And welcome to Book Buzz.
Today's two reading recommendations include an Indigenous mystery and a horror romance.
First, we’re going to hear from Shannon, library associate at the Sultan Library, for a story that blends rich Indigenous culture with contemporary challenges. Take it away, Shannon.
SHANNON:
Set ten years after Angeline Boulley’s breakout hit “Firekeeper’s Daughter,” Boulley returns to Sugar Island in the YA suspense novel “Warrior Girl Unearthed,” starring both new and familiar characters. Perry Firekeeper-Birch would like nothing more but to spend her summer fishing and slacking off, but when she crashes Auntie Daunis’s Jeep, she’s forced to enroll in an internship program to pay off the repairs. There, Perry finds the “Warrior Girl” — an ancestor of the Anishinaabe tribe — trapped in the basement of the university’s archives.
Shocked by the mistreatment of her ancestor’s remains, Perry becomes determined to see the Warrior Girl and her sacred artifacts returned to her tribe. But walls of red tape stand in her way, and so Perry must take matters into her own hands.
Sugar Island is a place dear to Boulley’s heart, and it shows. Everything from the supporting characters to the cultural details to the community dynamics is painstakingly brought to life. Perry is a delightful protagonist, with just enough charm and snark to keep her lovable, but human. Like “Firekeeper’s Daughter,” “Warrior Girl Unearthed” doesn’t shy away from the modern issues facing Indigenous communities, touching on the Indian Repatriation movement and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women crisis.
I especially recommend the audiobook — once again narrated by the brilliant Isabella Star LaBlanc — for the seamless and beautiful inclusion of the Anishinaabemowin language.
JESSICA:
Thanks, Shannon! Both teens and adults alike will enjoy this one.
Next, let’s hear about an unexpected love story from Lois, librarian at the Snohomish library, Go ahead, Lois.
LOIS:
“Bloom” by Delilah S. Dawson starts off as a captivating cottage-core lesbian romance. But don’t be beguiled by the richly-detailed fairytale — this story takes a shocking turn toward the nightmarish.
Ro is a young and awkward academic who’s just moved from New York City to Athens, Georgia. While visiting the local farmer’s market, Ro becomes absolutely enchanted by Ash, a beautiful and mysterious vendor. Ash sells homemade soaps, candles, and unbelievably delicious cupcakes — and Ro just can’t get enough. Ash slowly starts to let Ro into her life, beginning their sensual romance.
But Ash has some weird boundaries that she enforces aggressively. And then there’s the possible evidence of animal cruelty. But Ro’s infatuation continues to grow, despite the warning signs. She’ll do anything to please Ash.
This book is an absolute page turner, and I couldn’t get enough of the lush descriptions of food, décor, plants, and their relationship. The author also creates a sense of dread that pulls the reader through the story until they reach the horrifying ending.
Fast-paced, and equal parts disturbing and beautiful, “Bloom” is a sapphic horror story about obsession and the things we consume, as well as the things that consume us.
JESSICA:
Thanks, Lois! This mix of sapphic romance and horror sounds like a must-read for me!
Our recommendations this week are: “Warrior Girl Unearthed” by Angeline Boulley and “Bloom” by Delilah S. Dawson.
Join us next time, when we’ll explore more great reading recommendations — interesting books you can find at your favorite local bookstore or at your local library.
Until then, I’m Jessica Russell from Sno-Isle Libraries.
Thanks for joining us for Book Buzz on KSER.
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